By Dave Lord

UNPAID CARERS in Highland Perthshire are being offered some much-needed rest and relaxation under an innovative scheme.

Looking after often vulnerable and elderly residents can be both time consuming and extremely stressful, with no financial reward or time off.

However, the Perth and Kinross Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre is now rewarding the efforts of hard-pressed carers with monthly therapy days at Aberfeldy health centre.

The sessions allow participants to enjoy a range of complimentary therapies such as reiki, Indian head massage and reflexology.

Support worker Trina Crichton is delighted by the new development, which has been partly funded by Perth and Kinross Council’s Common Good Fund.

“Carers can benefit greatly from time-off from caring,” she said.

“Research shows that those who care on an informal basis are at a higher risk of suffering from ill-health, both physically and mentally, as a result of their caring situation.”

Therapy days were established in Perth around six months ago and proved an instant hit.

However, this is the first time similar opportunities have been provided to those in Highland Perthshire

“Therapy days have been running successfully in Perth for six months, giving carers invaluable time to themselves while helping to relieve stress and tension,” Ms Crichton said.

“They also give participants a chance to socialise with and gain informal support from other carers while providing opportunities to talk about their problems to support workers.

“We were keen to ensure that carers in rural areas of Perthshire have access to the same opportunities,” she continued.

Highland Perthshire councillor Ken Lyall was delighted to see the initiative gaining support from the council’s Aberfeldy and Pitlochry common good funds.

“Carers have a demanding role and the common good fund committees are pleased to help a very good initiative,” he said.

“I know first-hand the difficulties carers face.

“My mum would have benefited greatly from this if it had been around when she was caring for my gran.”

The next Highland Perthshire session is due to take place on Wednesday, May 28, in Aberfeldy health centre.

The 30-minute appointments can be booked in advance by contacting Ms Crichton on 01738 567076.

However, carers are also being invited to drop in on the day for information and advice.

The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre is one of 10 projects managed by the local charity, Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS).